“Suruç is Not Safe, I Will Seek Asylum From Western Countries”

Turkish authorities released remaining 97 out of 250 detainees from Kobane who fled from the clashes and were detained in Suruç district on Turkey’s border on October 5. 

Kept in a sports complex facility, refugees started a hunger strike saying that they were not informed on their situation by the authorities. 

Interpreter Ali: I am released but not free 

Perwer Mıhamed Ali, an interpret who corresponded with bianet throughout their detention in the sports complex, said that he had no place to go after being released from detention on Monday. 

“Our house in Kobane has been wiped out after a car has exploded outside. I don’t know what to do here. It is very unsafe and risky as well. I think we are being watched. I am released but I don’t feel free. My family spread all over the place. My father is in Diyarbakır, it is said that my two brothers and sister are in Istanbul. 

“I am well-known by the media” 

Ali complained that authorities accused him of being a YPG fighter - an organization declared as “terrorist” by Turkey. 

“All I can do is interpreting and guiding. I started because I spoke English and knew a bit of journalism. What else can I do?” he said. 

Hr also added that he was known by foreign correspondents from The Guardian, Der Spiegel and other media outlets. 

Ali said that the future is unknown for him and there was no hope for returning to Kobane.

“I have nobody to support me in Turkey. My biggest fear is to be detained by Turkish authorities and get deported. I have to get out of here. I don’t see any solution than refuging to a Western country.” (EÖ/BM).

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.